Farm Safety Risks Highlight Need for Protective Equipment

Why Head and Eye Protection Matters in Agriculture

Data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) shows that more than 21,000 injuries in production agriculture between 2021 and 2022 led to time away from work. Farm-related injuries are never formally reported. Improving safety practices on farms remains essential to protecting workers and maintaining productivity.

A significant number of agricultural injuries could be prevented or reduced in severity through the regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Head, eye, and foot protection are especially important due to the physical and often hazardous nature of farm work. PPE serves as a critical line of defense when working with machinery, tools, animals, and chemicals.

Head protection plays a key role in preventing serious trauma caused by falling or swinging objects. Today’s hard hats are designed to disperse impact energy, lowering the risk of concussions and long-term brain injuries. They are particularly valuable during equipment maintenance, construction or demolition tasks, tree work, and jobs in areas with limited overhead clearance.

To remain effective, hard hats should be checked routinely for cracks or worn suspension systems and stored away from direct sunlight, which can weaken materials over time.

Protecting eyesight is equally important. Many farm-related eye injuries occur when debris, dust, or chemicals become airborne during activities such as grinding, cutting, welding, or harvesting.

Safety glasses with side shields, goggles, and face shields offer varying degrees of protection depending on the task. Welding requires specialized eye protection to guard against harmful radiation.

Using appropriate PPE consistently helps reduce injury risks and supports long-term health for those working in agriculture.

Photo Credit: Pexels-Antoni Shkraba Studio